Throughout the Texans' six-year history, offensive
line has been a significant concern, so Duane Brown in the first round makes
sense. Brown is the prototype for Alex Gibbs' system. Steve Slaton is the kind
of running back that could have some success in that system, although many
believe he'll be nothing more than a third-down back. The Texans also addressed
some need for depth at linebacker, cornerback and safety
Round 1, Pick 26 (26)
(From Jaguars through Ravens) Duane Brown OT 6'4" 315 Virginia Tech
Brown is a converted tight end who moved to tackle. He may not have the hype of
some of the tackles taken earlier in the draft, but he may end up being a better
pro.
Round 3, Pick 16 (79)
Antwaun Molden CB 6'1" 198 Eastern Kentucky
Molden is a raw player, but he has the skills to eventually develop into a good
corner for the Texans. He ran a 4.39 at the Combine and has the size to be a
productive player, assuming Houston has the patience to work with him.
Round 3, Pick 26 (89)
(From Jaguars through Ravens) Steve Slaton RB 5'9" 197 West Virginia
Some teams we're down on Slaton, labeling him as a one-dimensional player who
can only run outside, but he is excellent at that one dimension.
Round 4, Pick 19 (118) Xavier Adibi LB 6'2" 220 Virginia Tech
Adibi is fluid dropping into coverage and had very good production in college.
He's a good value at this area of the draft.
Round 5, Pick 16 (151) Frank Okam DT 6'5" 320 Texas
Okam has the ability to be a starting offensvie guard in the NFL. He has
outstanding athletic ability and talent. He just needs to make up his mind that
he wants to do it.
Round 6, Pick 7 (173) (From Ravens) Dominique Barber FS 6'0" 210 Minnesota
The younger brother of Cowboys running back, Marion Barber, Dominique has great
football intelligence and leadership skills.
Round 7, Pick 16 (223) Alex Brink QB 6'2" 212 Washington State
He's got very good numbers and college production. He was highly sought after
coming out of high school and has some raw talent.
Houston Texans 2008 NFL Preview
The Texans did a good job last
year, but its tough to improve much from that record in this
division. They are going to have to carve out some kind of running
game and with a three headed monster of Chris Brown, Ahman Green,
and rookie Steve Slaton should allow them to do well if the
offensive line can carve out some holes. The defense will continue
to improve as Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans get experience. They
are still a couple of years away from contending in this division,
but they remain on the right track.
Offense: Matt Schaub did a good job when healthy last year
and this year he comes in with Duane Brown to try to keep him
healthy which has been a problem throughout the Texans history. If
the OL can give him some time he should be able to connect with
underrated Andre Johnson while utilizing a very strong running game
to keep defenses off balance.
Defense: Houston is building something special on defense
anchored by Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans and now with Amibi Akoye
showing some promise amd this years third round pick the speedy but
raw Antwaun Molden there is a lot to hope for both in the present
and the future defensively. Unfortunately Dunta Robinson is not
expected back until later in the season, if they can hold down th
fort until his return ths defense could become scary good by the end
of the season.
Overall: Alex Gibbs has been brought in to work with the
running game and we all know what he did for the Broncos running
game, with the talent he has here, he can turn that around very
quickly. They are not going to win the division or anything, but
should have another respectable year and are quickly catching up to
the rest of the AFC.
